Osteochondrosis is a degenerative-dystrophic disease of the musculoskeletal system, which occurs in patients of all ages.
Modern medicine identifies several locations of this disease, therefore the concept of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region has appeared.
What is thoracic osteochondrosis?
Osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is a regenerative (destructive) process localized in the interval from 8 to 19 vertebrae, which make up the human thoracic spine.
Unlike other types of diseases, symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis can occur in both young and old people.
The characteristic of this disease is the difficulty of its initial diagnosis, which is associated with low mobility of the spine and the difficulty of identifying the main symptoms.For this reason, it is important to immediately consult a specialist when detecting the first signs of thoracic osteochondrosis to avoid an irreversible process.
Reason
The main cause of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is the occurrence of a dystrophic process (disruption of cellular metabolism) that changes the tissue and causes complications of metabolic actions, which is caused by an unbalanced diet and an unbalanced load on the intervertebral disc.
In addition, the list of factors that increase the risk of developing thoracic osteochondrosis includes:
- the presence of intervertebral hernia;
- impaired blood supply to the spinal cord;
- disturbance of mineral balance in the body;
- regularly increase the load on the spine;
- mostly inactive lifestyle;
- as a result of previous injuries;
- engage in active sports.
The main symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
Chest pain with osteochondrosis is the main symptom of the clinical picture.However, considering the general symptoms of osteochondrosis of the thoracic region, we can also highlight:
- difficulty breathing, chest tightness;
- difficulty in bending;
- Periodic occurrence of the feeling of freezing in the legs due to blood circulation failure;
- brittle nails and hair;
- nausea, indigestion;
- pain that is easily confused with that accompanying cardiovascular disease;
- mammary gland pain in women;
- discomfort and difficulty swallowing, cough.
The manifestation of several symptoms of thoracic osteochondrosis requires immediate consultation and a full examination by a specialist to make an accurate diagnosis and determine a treatment plan for thoracic osteochondrosis.
Disease progression stage
Experts distinguish three main stages of the development of thoracic osteochondrosis:
Stage 1 - the beginning of the development of the disease.Characterized by the absence of clinical manifestations.
Signs of thoracic osteochondrosis stage 1:
- Almost imperceptible, a little painful lumbago, accompanied by pain in the chest.Unpleasant sensations increase after hard work or heavy lifting;
- muscle spasms, constant tone of the muscle frame for no apparent reason;
- discomfort in the heart area.
Seeing a doctor in the early stages of the disease guarantees a complete cure of the disease.
Stage 2 - The progression of the disease leads to the formation of microcracks in the intervertebral disc, which causes limited mobility and the appearance of severe pain.
Clinical manifestations include:
- significant visual deformation of the spinal column;
- pressure drop;
- accompanied by an attempt to put the hands behind the head with pain that can be felt in the sternum;
- feeling of chronic fatigue;
- discomfort in the region of the heart and spinal column of the thoracic region.
If the disease is detected at this stage, the process of restoring health may require a considerable period of time.
Level 3 is an advanced process that has a negative effect on the entire body as a whole.
Dangerous manifestations such as:
- limited mobility of the spine;
- sharp pain;
- appearance of intervertebral hernia;
- pinching blood vessels and nerve roots;
- Diseases of the biliary tract.
Refusal to treat thoracic osteochondrosis at this stage can cause disability.
How to treat thoracic osteochondrosis?
Before determining how to treat thoracic osteochondrosis, it is important to visit a specialist.Diagnosis of this disease should be done only by a specialist.Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is determined by a neurologist after a high-quality examination.
The main rule for starting treatment for thoracic osteochondrosis is to get rid of pain.Today, there are several optimal treatment options.Let's look at each one in more detail.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis is used in medical practice quite often, both in the acute stage and afterwards, to achieve long-term remission of the disease.
For osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, physiotherapy methods are used such as:
- Medical electrophoresis - combined effects of current and direct drugs;
- UHF Therapy-Exposure to high frequency electromagnetic fields;
- Magnetic therapy is an alternative medicine that involves the use of a continuous or alternating magnetic field;
- Drug phonophoresis - administration of drugs under the influence of ultrasound;
- Detensor Therapy - Relaxation of the spinal muscle frame using a special mattress/mat.
It is important to note that when prescribing physiotherapy methods to treat degenerative diseases, the level of development is taken into account.Inappropriate use of physiotherapy treatment can worsen the condition and exclude the possibility of long-term remission.
Massage for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region
Massage is one of the most effective methods for non-drug treatment of thoracic osteochondrosis.
Providing a reflex massage effect has a positive effect on the affected area of the spinal column, which creates positive treatment dynamics.
Unlike other parts of the spine, the thoracic spine requires a special approach to massage.The muscle fibers of this zone have a special action threshold.
The positive effects of massage procedures are shown in:
- reduce the level of pain;
- improve blood circulation at the location of the disease;
- eliminate muscle spasms;
- increase arm muscle strength;
- Increases the mobility of the spinal column and accelerates the regenerative process of cartilage tissue.
Among the basic principles of thoracic massage, it is worth highlighting:
- The beginning of the session should be carried out with a light stroke, which will ensure blood flow and reduce pain;
- During the massage, it is recommended to use squeezing, rubbing and patting movements;
- Each movement must be repeated 4-5 times;
- The movement should be carried out along a single trajectory: from the shoulder blade to the neck, upwards;
- Each side of the thoracic region needs to be treated separately.
Exercise therapy for thoracic osteochondrosis
Physical Therapy Classes (Therapeutic Physical Education) provide an opportunity to provide high-quality support for optimal tone of the back muscle frame and help relieve paravertebral muscle pain.
Exercise therapy for osteochondrosis of the thoracic region is most effective in the early stages of the development of the disease.
When performing gymnastics, it is important to consider and observe the basic rules for performing exercises for osteochondrosis in the thoracic region, including:
- systematic repetition for several months;
- Lesson duration should not exceed half an hour;
- Gymnastics for thoracic osteochondrosis should be done without using additional equipment;
- You only need to exercise in comfortable clothes and shoes;
- taking into account the existing contraindications.
Absolute contraindications include:
- acute heart pathology;
- increased body temperature (more than 37.6 ° C);
- oncological diseases;
- mental instability;
- dermatological diseases;
- high blood pressure.
Consultation with a neurologist in combination with a reasonable and competent approach to exercise ensures the achievement of successful remission at various stages of the disease.
Medicines
Treatment of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine is done by taking tablets, injection courses, suppositories or using ointments/gels.
Treatment with drugs is done for several months.In the absence of positive changes, the disease is eliminated through surgery.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
They are used to reduce pain and relieve the inflammatory process that occurs in the nerve roots.
Self-administration of PVNs is very dangerous for health and can cause irreparable harm.Expert consultation is required.
Glucocorticosteroids
Since the drug is a hormone, its use must be agreed with the attending physician.Otherwise, irreparable harm may be caused to the body.
Diuretic
A diuretic that relieves swelling in the presence of pinched nerve roots.
Vitamin complex
Taking vitamins increases the metabolic processes that occur in nerve tissue.
To restore high-quality metabolism, patients are prescribed B vitamins.
Chondroprotectors
Medicines, the use of which ensures the restoration of elasticity and shock-absorbing function of the intervertebral disc.
The intensity and dosage of taking drugs for thoracic osteochondrosis is determined taking into account the stage of disease development.
Antispasmodics
They help loosen the muscle frame and help get rid of persistent spasms, starting the recovery process of thoracic osteochondrosis.
Food
Therapeutic treatment of any disease requires adherence to the basics of a balanced diet.
Diet for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine slows down the pathological process and helps speed up the recovery process.
Nutritional correction involves increasing the proportion of foods in the diet that contain natural chondroprotectors that promote the generation of cartilage tissue.
It is important to note that nutritional nutrition during the degenerative-dystrophic process should be based on the completeness of the diet and compliance with the drinking regime.
The diet must include foods that contain calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, retinol, and vitamins B and C.
It is also necessary to limit the level of consumption of strong tea and coffee, as well as give up bad habits.
It is recommended to completely exclude from various types of semi-finished products, fresh baked goods, as well as margarine and carbonated drinks with a high sugar content.
Prevention
To prevent the occurrence or deterioration of osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine, it is recommended to carry out several preventive measures at regular intervals, including:
- giving bad habits;
- adherence to the principles of proper, balanced nutrition;
- tracking the safest and most comfortable position for the spine while walking, running, sitting;
- ensuring comfortable sleep in the correct body position;
- Organization of exercises according to the recommended set of exercises for the thoracic spine with osteochondrosis.
The comfort of a person's daily life is largely determined by his health.
When the first symptoms of spinal disease appear, seek advice from a specialist who will help diagnose the disease and choose the right treatment for osteochondrosis of the thoracic spine.